Reds reliever Lincoln to have neck surgery

Jul 17, 2009 - 9:04 PM CINCINNATI(AP) -- Reds reliever Mike Lincoln will have surgery to replace a disc in his neck, another major setback for a player who missed baseball for three years after elbow surgery.

The 34-year-old pitcher has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 17 with a bulging disc in his neck. Doctors will replace the disc on Monday in St. Louis.

The right-hander didn't play professionally from 2005-07 after he had his right elbow rebuilt. He signed with the Reds last year and went 2-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 64 relief appearances. He was 1-1 with an 8.22 ERA in 19 games when he went on the disabled list this year.